Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump is pressuring militant group Hamas to give up its weapons as part of the second phase of the US- peace plan in Gaza.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump warned that Hamas would face “fast, furious, and brutal force” if it refuses to disarm, a second phase requirement under his 20-point U.S. peace framework.
However, Hamas has long been rejecting the demand.
This warning comes after a weekend of renewed clashes between Israel and Hamas, with both sides said to violate the ceasefire deal.
Over the weekend, Israel claims Hamas fighters fired toward its troops, leading them to retaliate that killed several civilians in Gaza, although. the said they only. targeted Hamas and its equipments.
Both parties however clarified that they still upheld the deal.
VANCE VISITS ISRAEL TO INSPECT ONGOING EFFORTS RECONSTRUCTING GAZA
US Vice President JD Vance meanwhile arrived in Israel on Tuesday to visit the Civil-Military Cooperation Center, a project led by the US and Israel to help reconstruct Gaza.
During his speech, Vance said that despite tensions, the ceasefire is going better, crediting the combined efforts of the US and Israel.
He also reiterated Washington’s call for Hamas to lay down its arms, warning that failure to cooperate could lead to “obliteration,” echoing Trump’s statement.
Vance also added that the visit is to prioritize first in improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza, before establishing a steady long-term government in Gaza, also a part of the US peace plan.
On the other hand, he clarified that the US will not deploy American troops in Gaza, but only provide support through coordination.
Vance is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pushing further both sides to move forward with the next phase of the ceasefire deal.